Microseismic monitoring with fiber-optic noise mapping

ABSTRACT

The combination of one or more 3-component microseismic sensors deployed into a wellbore adjacent a microseismic event and a linear array of distributed fiber optic acoustic sensors deployed uphole thereof provides two sets of data for establishing noise-free signals for locating the microseismic event in the formation about the wellbore. The distributed fiber optic signals monitor noise transmitted along coiled tubing used to pump a completion operation or as a result of the fluid flowing through the casing or coiled tubing, or along wireline used to deploy the microseismic sensors. The noise is mapped and extrapolated for estimating noise at the 3-component sensors. The estimated noise is removed from the 3-component sensor data for producing clean signals representing the location of the microseismic events.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No.14/405,609, filed Dec. 4, 2014 as a 371 application ofPCT/CA2013/050441, filed Jun. 11, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application 61/658,277, filed Jun. 11, 2012 and of U.S.Provisional Application 61/774,486, filed Mar. 7, 2013, the entirety ofwhich are incorporated fully herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to monitoring of microseismic eventsoutside a wellbore, such as those caused by fracturing of a formation,and more particularly, relate to use of fiber-optics for reducing noisein the microseismic signals for locating the microseismic event in theformation.

BACKGROUND

Simplistically, microseismic monitoring, in the context of the oil andgas industry, typically requires placement of receiver systems atsurface or otherwise adjacent a microseism or downhole event, such as inan adjacent wellbore, for detecting and locating the events in time andspace. The microseisms occur either as a result of a process occurringwithin a wellbore such as drilling, or pumping fluids, or as a result ofevents adjacent the wellbore, such as the creation and propagation ofhydraulically-induced fractures in the surrounding formation. Further,the microseisms can be purposefully initiated in the wellbore or nearwellbore such as by firing a string shot or a perforating shot thereinto obtain data. Such data can instruct as to velocity within the variousstrata of the formation surrounding the wellbore, to better understandthe nature and extent of the zones of interest therein.

The receiver systems, typically geophones or accelerometers which can besingle component or three-component, receive compressional (P-wave) andshear (S-wave) data generated from the microseism and the data are usedto locate and map the events at least in space, typically usingCartesian co-ordinates, X, Y and Z.

Typically, a 3-D seismic velocity model is created using themicroseismic data from a zone of interest. Measured or estimatedmicroseismic data typically comprises a time of occurrence of amicroseismic event within the zone, a location of occurrence of themicroseismic event within the zone, and an arrival time of the time andlocation data at a detection point, typically at a surface array. Priorart microseismic monitoring typically relies on geological informationvia downhole logs to determine the velocity of microseismic eventsdownhole with varying degrees of accuracy. In many cases, estimatedvalues for at least some of the parameters required to create thevelocity profile must be made, as accurate measurements and synchronizedtime-stamping of the microseismic event in the zone of interest havebeen difficult to measure directly using conventional technologies.

The velocity model is typically used to calculate the position ofmicroseismic events and monitor the growth or propagation of a fractureor to understand the geometry of the developing fracture within thezone. It is assumed that the microseismic events are generated by thefracture in the formation. This information can be used to optimize thefracture by controlling its growth and extent and thereby improve oiland gas production. In order to ensure the velocity model is accurate,the microseismic data collected must be accurate. Accuracy of themicroseismic data collected depends on the accuracy of the time data,location data for the surface probes and arrival times of the event atthe surface probes. As microseismic amplitudes are small, detection ofthe event at surface may be difficult.

In many prior art systems the velocity model is created using as leastsome estimated or calculated parameters. Thereafter, the velocity modelis used together with measured time data to calculate the position ofthe microseism in 3D space. Inaccuracies in the velocity model result inincorrect mapping of the event. The inaccuracies, when relying upon themap for placement of fractures within very restricted zones of interest,may result in fractures which are not positioned properly relative tothe wellbore (azimuthal errors) and do not extend to the furthestextents of the zone resulting in reduced or less than optimalproduction. Further, the inaccuracies may result in fractures thatexceed the zone of interest and result in break through, formationdamage in sensitive zones and other adverse effects.

Typically, systems which monitor microseismic events and propagation ofthe fracture using sensors located in an offset, vertical wellbore, aremore accurate in positioning the event vertically in space (Z) and areless accurate when determining horizontal co-ordinates (X,Y).Conversely, systems which measure the event at surface, such as using anarray of surface sensors, are typically more accurate in positioning theevent along the horizontal axes (X,Y), but are less accurate inmeasuring the vertical location (Z). Detection may be adversely affectedby the formation characteristics resulting in poor signals particularlyin the case of microseismic events which are typically relatively small.

Others have attempted to improve microseismic monitoring by utilizingoptical fibers to replace conventional sensors for measuring microseismsand, in particular, for real-time monitoring of hydraulic fracturing.

As described in SPE Paper 152981; “Real-Time Downhole Monitoring ofHydraulic Fracturing Treatments Using Fiber Optic DistributedTemperature and Acoustic Sensing”; Molenaar et al, March 2012, in 2009it was demonstrated that fiber optic distributed sensing could be usedfor downhole applications. It has been shown that optical fiber deployedinto a wellbore, permanently or temporarily, can be used to measuretemperature, strain, pressure and acoustics. It has been proposed thatthe combination of fiber optic distributed sensing of temperature (DTS)in combination with fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) maypermit real-time monitoring to understand the complexity of thefracturing treatments.

As one of skill will appreciate, distributed sensing utilizes the lightscatter which occurs in an optical fiber. When using fiber optics havingsensors based on Raleigh scattering, the light scattered back from thefiber has three different spectral parts which are detected and analyzedfor measuring the various parameters:

-   -   the Raleigh scattering with the wavelength of the laser source        used;    -   the Stokes line components from photons shifted to longer        wavelength (lower frequency);    -   the anti-Stokes line components with photons shifted to shorter        wavelength (higher frequency) than the Raleigh scattering.

As one of skill in the art will appreciate different types of fibreoptics may have different types of sensors, such as Bragg gratings, thelight scattered therefrom being analyzed for parameters appropriatethereto.

In the case of distributed acoustic sensing, a standard single-modeoptical fiber acts as an array of microphones which provide acousticdata detected within the vicinity of the fiber. For example, a 5 km longfiber can be interrogated using DAS so that every 5 m can be recordedproviding 1,000 independent, simultaneously sampled acoustic sensors,each with a 20 kHz bandwith. Parameters can be adjusted to optimizeperformance.

A short pulse of coherent light is sent down the fiber and thebackscattered light is detected on a photo detector (at surface). Thebackscattered light is processed to extract the acoustic signals fromeach position along the fiber. Pressure pulses, such as observed withseating of balls in “plug and perf” operations, are also detected byDAS.

In testing, described in SPE Paper 152981, the fiber-optic cable wasattached along an outside of production casing. Where the wellbore wascased and cemented, the fiber-optic cable was attached to the outside ofthe casing and was thereafter embedded in the cement.

As taught in US 2011/0292763 to Coates et al (Schlumberger TechnologyCorporation) optical fiber cable has been attached to the inside or theoutside of tubing, including coiled tubing, casing and the like, in avariety of ways such as magnetically, using adhesive or cementing thefiber in place. The fiber optic sensors are either bare or encased alongtheir length in a protective coating or jacket. Further, the sensors maybe encased in a compliant material that is particularly sensitive topressure, such as metalized foam or an acoustic-matching medium,typically a gel, for enhancing sensitivity of the seismic measurement.The fiber optic cable can also be installed inside a control line orother thin-walled tubing.

One or more of the fiber optic distributed sensors are deployed into oneor more boreholes. The fiber is disturbed by the passing seismic wavesand is strained by the waves if the waves couple to the fiber. A strainon the fiber changes the relative position between the scatteringcenters by simple elongation of the fiber. The strain also changes therefractive index of the glass of the fiber. Both of these effects alterthe relative phase of the light scattered from each scattering center asis understood by those of skill in the art. The electrical signalsemerging from a detector at surface are processed to detect the passageof a seismic wave and possible to determine the relative time of thewave's passage at different locations along the borehole and possiblythe wave's spectral content.

Clearly, there is interest in the industry for apparatus and methodswhich effectively and efficiently detect and monitor microseismicevents. Further, there is interest to improve the quality of the dataobtained for deriving information regarding the microseismic eventsoccurring beyond the wellbore and for reducing noise associated withevents other than those of interest.

SUMMARY

Generally, embodiments disclosed herein utilize a combination of atleast one microseismic sensor, such as 3-component geophone, and alinear array of distributed fiber optic sensors, deployed within awellbore to be completed. The wellbore is typically used for accessing aformation for fracturing operations. The linear array extends along alength of the wellbore uphole of the at least one microseismic sensor.The linear array detects noise within the wellbore, such as noisetransmitted along coiled tubing used to deploy the linear array and themicroseismic sensor or casing in the wellbore. The noise detected ateach of the fiber optic sensors in the array is mapped. The mapped noiseis extrapolated to the location of the microseismic sensor and theextrapolated noise is subtracted from the data collected by themicroseismic sensor during fracturing for producing signalsrepresentative of the location of microseismic events. In embodiments,three-axially-spaced microseismic sensors are used.

In one broad aspect, a system deployed within a wellbore for detectingmicroseismic events in a formation adjacent the wellbore, comprises atleast one 3-component microseismic sensor deployed in the wellboreadjacent the microseismic events for detecting compressional and shearwaves for establishing a first set of data resulting from at least themicroseismic events in the formation; and a linear array of distributedfiber optic sensors extending along at least a portion of the wellbore,uphole of the at least one 3-component microseismic sensor, fordetecting compressional waves within or adjacent the wellbore forestablishing a second set of data for mapping at least noise within thewellbore. The mapping of the second set of data permits extrapolation ofnoise at the at least one 3-component microseismic sensor, theextrapolated noise being subtracted from the first set of data forproducing signals for locating the microseismic event in the formation.

In another broad aspect, a method for microseismic monitoring during acompletion operation in a wellbore, comprises deploying at least one3-component microseismic sensor into the wellbore for detectingcompressional and shear waves in a formation adjacent the wellbore anddeploying a linear array of distributed fiber optic sensors into thewellbore extending along at least a portion of the wellbore, uphole ofthe at least one 3-component microseismic sensor, for detectingcompressional waves within or adjacent the wellbore. The completionoperation is initiated, creating microseismic events in the formation.The microseismic events are sensed in the formation with the at leastone 3-component microseismic sensor resulting from at least themicroseismic events in the formation for establishing a first set ofdata. At least noise within the wellbore uphole of the at least one3-component microseismic sensor is sensed with the linear array ofdistributed fiber optic sensors for establishing a second set of data.The second set of data is mapped as noise along the wellbore. The noiseis extrapolated to the at least one 3-component microseismic sensor,from the noise mapping and the extrapolated noise is subtracted from thefirst set of data for producing signals representative of the locationof the microseismic event in the formation.

The first set of data can be transmitted to surface in real time, suchas through electrically-enabled coiled tubing or can be stored in memoryin each geophone for later retrieval.

The orientation of the microseismic sensors is established through meansfor orienting the microseismic sensors when deployed in the wellbore orthrough sensors which detect the orientation permitting mathematicmanipulation of the first set of data for the orientation of thesensors. Each of the microseismic sensors is acoustically coupled to thewellbore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a representative illustration of an embodiment incorporatingone or more 3-component microseismic sensors in a bottom hole assembly(BHA), deployed in a treatment wellbore using coiled tubing or wireline,and a linear array of fiber optic distributed sensors extending along alength of the coiled tubing or wireline for mapping noise about thewellbore, an optional near surface array being shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 1B is a detailed representative illustration of a sectional view ofthe treatment wellbore showing coiled tubing having the linear array offiber optic sensors and an electrical conductor retained therein;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are representative illustrations of a BHA used forfracturing, the BHA having one or more 3-component sensors therein (FIG.2A) and a representative example of 3-axis data detected therewith (FIG.2B);

FIGS. 3A to 3C are representative illustrations of a microseismicmonitoring system, more particularly,

-   -   FIG. 3A illustrates a BHA deployed on coiled tubing or wireline        according to FIGS. 2A and 2B, with or without a near surface        array of sensors;    -   FIG. 3B illustrates data recorded by a plurality of fiber-optic        sensors extending along the coiled tubing or wireline for        providing spatial sampling of the noise for predicting noise at        the 3-component sensors, permitting identification and        prediction thereof; and    -   FIG. 3C illustrates subtracting the estimated noise at the        3-component sensors from the raw data of the 3-component sensors        for providing clean signals for locating the microseismic event;

FIG. 4 is a representative illustration of an embodiment incorporatingthree or more 3-component sensors such as geophones, only two of thethree or more sensors being shown;

FIGS. 5A-5D are representative illustrations of means used to couple thesensors to the borehole or casing, more particularly

-   -   FIGS. 5A and 5B are side and cross-sectional views,        respectively, illustrating a spring clamp for coupling the        sensor directly to the borehole or casing; and    -   FIGS. 5C and 5D are side and end cross-sectional views        respectively illustrating four spring clamps spaced        circumferentially about the sensor for centering the sensor in        the wellbore, the sensor coupling to the borehole or casing        through the clamps ;

FIG. 6 is a representative illustration of noise date mapped by thefiber optic array and extrapolated to estimate noise at the three ormore 3-component sensors for removal from the 3-component sensors data;

FIG. 7 illustrates waveform and spectral data from one of the one ormore sensors, being geophones;

FIG. 8 illustrates data as shown in FIG. 7 following noise attenuationusing conventional noise filtering; and

FIG. 9 is a representative illustration of use of clean signals afternoise attenuation for locating fractures in the formation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a co-pending application, U.S. 61/639,493, incorporated herein in itsentirety, Applicant has disclosed deploying a sensor, such as a geophoneor accelerometer, integrated into a bottomhole assembly (BHA) whichutilizes electrically and/or electronically-actuated apparatus forperforming a completion operation. Thus, the sensor is positioned in thewellbore as close as possible to the event for obtaining data which canbe transmitted to surface for monitoring the fracture growth andplacement in the formation. Bi-directional communication for actuationof the electronically-actuated tools and receipt of data therefrom ispossible using electrically-enabled coiled tubing (CT), such asdescribed in co-pending, US published application US2008/0263848 toAndreychuk.

In a microseismic monitoring system 10, shown in FIGS. 1A-3C and morespecifically in FIG. 1A, at least one microseismic sensor 12, such as ageophone, accelerometer or the like, is deployed, using coiled tubing(CT) 14 or wireline, into a wellbore 16 to be completed. In embodiments,the at least one microseismic sensor 12 may be integrated into a bottomhole assembly (BHA) 18 used to perform a completion operation. Eachmicroseismic sensor 12, typically a 3-component microseismic sensor,detects compressional waves (p-waves) and shear waves (s-waves) frommicroseismic events in the wellbore 16 and in the formation 20 outsidethe wellbore 16. In a first set of data collected by the microseismicsensor 12, one cannot easily separate signals generated from the eventof interest from signals derived from noise occurring as a result ofapparatus used for pumping the completion, such as for pumping fluid fora fracturing operation, and other inherent noise events.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3B, a linear array 22 of fiber optic,distributed sensors 23, such as a plurality of distributed sensors 23 inone or more optical fibers, are also deployed in the wellbore 16 to becompleted. The linear array 22 of distributed fiber optic sensors 23span a length of the wellbore 16 and are capable of detecting p-waves,but do not typically detect s-waves. The linear array 22 of fiber opticsensors 23 is capable of detecting energy originating from within theformation 20 adjacent the wellbore 16. The detected energy however canonly be used to estimate a distance away from the linear array 22 atwhich the energy originated, but not the direction from which the energyoriginated. Without direction information, the array 22 is notparticularly useful in positioning the event in the formation 20. Asecond set of data collected by the linear array 22 however is utilizedfor mapping the background noise in the wellbore 16. The noise mappingis useful to “clean up” the first set of data obtained from the one ormore microseismic sensor 12.

As taught in SPE 149602, “Distributed Acoustic Sensing—a new way oflistening to your well/reservoir”, by Johanessen et al, March 2012,incorporated herein in its entirety, describes in-well monitoring offluid flows in a wellbore using distributed acoustic sensors alongin-well fiber optics.

Applicant believes that the combination of the ability to obtain thefirst set of both p-wave data and s-wave data, using the 3-componentmicroseismic sensors 12, such as a 3-component geophone in the BHA 18deployed adjacent the microseismic event, and the ability to obtain thesecond set of large numbers of signal data from the plurality of p-wavesensors 23 in the linear array 22. The sensors 23 of the linear array 22sense largely background noise, permitting one of skill to remove thebackground noise from the microseismic data to more accurately determinethe location of the signals and thus, to locate the microseismic eventin the formation 20.

Further, because locating the microseismic event is done using datacollected from within the same wellbore 16 as is being completed,Applicant believes that a surface array of seismic sensors is notrequired. Where there is no surface array, there is no need for theusual vertical velocity profile between wellbore 16 and surface S.Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1A, a surface array 24, as is understood bythose of skill in the art, can be used if one wishes to accumulatesupplemental data.

Embodiments are described herein in the context of a fracturingoperation, however as one of skill in the art will appreciate,embodiments are suitable for use with a wide variety of completionoperations or any other operations which create microseismic events inthe formation for which monitoring is desirable.

Having reference to FIGS. 2A-3C, in an embodiment of a microseismicmonitoring system 10, at least one 3-component microseismic sensor 12 isincorporated into the bottomhole assembly (BHA) 18 which is used forperforming a fracturing operation and which is deployed into thewellbore 16 using coiled tubing (CT) 14. Further, at least one lineararray 22 of fiber optic, distributed acoustic sensors is operativelyconnected to an inside wall 26 of the CT 14, as is understood in theart. The linear array 22 extends along at least a portion of the lengthof the wellbore 16, uphole of the BHA 18.

Noise, such as caused by pumps used to deliver fracturing fluid, slidingsleeves, fluid movement through the CT 14 and the like, is readilytransmitted through the metal CT 14. The linear array 22 of fiber opticsensors, in contact with the CT's inside wall 26, readily detects thetransmitted noise. A baseline or ambient state can be monitored prior toinitiating the completion operation, such as turning on the pumps andinitiating fracture formation, to assist with mapping the noise once theoperation is initiated. Furthermore, by actively monitoring the noisewithin the wellbore 16 during the fracturing operation, estimates of thenoise at the location of the 3-component microseismic sensor 12 can beextrapolated from the map of the second set of noise data (FIGS. 3B and6). The extrapolated noise estimates can then be subtracted from thefirst set of 3-component sensor data, obtained during the fracturingoperation. Subtracting the noise from the first set of 3-componentsensor data effectively improves the ability of the 3-componentmicroseismic sensors 12 to detect and locate a microseismic event and asignature thereof (FIG. 3C), resulting from the creation and propagationof the fracture.

As the linear array 22 is sensitive to tensile loading, the opticalfibers are embedded in an adhesive or other material which isnon-compressible, but which is suitably flexible for CT operations.Thus, any strain changes imparted to the optical fibers are as a resultof the microseisms and not to strain imposed by deploying the opticalfibers in the CT 14.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 4, two or more 3-componentmicroseismic sensors 12 incorporated into the BHA 18, three, 3-componentmicroseismic sensors 12 being shown. The three 3-component microseismicsensors 12 are axially spaced from each other along a length of the BHA18 and are isolated from the flow of fracturing fluid, such as by beingpositioned downhole from a fracturing fluid delivery sub or fracturinghead 19 in the BHA 18. In an embodiment, the three, axially-spaced3-component microseismic sensors 12 are isolated from the fracturinghead 19 by a packer 28. In the case of the CT-deployed BHA 18, the3-component microseismic sensors 12 are typically configured to be runat the end of the CT 14. Further, the 3-component microseismic sensors12 are configured so as to be able to acoustically couple with an insidewall 30 of casing 32 or open hole. The sensors 12 are either forced to aparticular orientation in the wellbore 16 or have orientation sensors(not shown) which detect orientation of the 3-component microseismicsensors 12 relative to surface S and thus the orientation of fractureslocated by the system described herein.

The first set of data collected by the 3-component microseismic sensors12 can be transmitted to surface S in real time, such as throughelectrically-enabled CT, fiber optics, cabling run to surface throughmechanically-actuated tools and the like. As is understood by those ofskill in the art, both power and signals can be transmitted using asingle wire. In embodiments, a separate wire is incorporated inelectrically-enabled CT for connection with the 3-component microseismicsensors 12, being separate from a separate wire incorporated foroperating other components of the BHA 18.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 5A, each 3-component microseismicsensor 12 comprises three orthogonally oriented geophones 12 x,12 y,12z. A first benefit is to account for the uncertainty in where the sourceof incident energy originated. By having three orthogonal geophones 12x,12 y,12 z, one is able to capture incident energy arriving from anydirection. Since any single geophone 12 x,12 y or 12 z is only capableof capturing motion in a single direction, at least three geophones 12x,12 y and 12 z, oriented orthogonally in each sensor 12, permitscapturing motion in any one arbitrary direction.

Secondly, with the ability to detect motion in any direction, one cancapture both compressional (p) waves, having particle motion in thedirection of propagation, and shear (s) waves, having particle motionperpendicular to the direction of propagation, with equal fidelity.

Thirdly, by measuring the difference in arrival time between theobserved compressional and shear wave arrivals for a single event, incombination with an understanding of the local velocity structure, adistance from the 3-component microseismic sensor 12 can be calculatedfor the origin of that event.

Fourthly, both azimuth and inclination of the waveform impinging on the3-component microseismic sensor 12 can be determined. By a processreferred to as hodogram analysis, which involves cross-plotting of thewaveforms recorded on pairs of geophones, the direction of arrival atany 3-component microseismic sensor 12 can be determined, to within 180degrees. Effectively, the vector defining the direction from which theenergy impinged on a single 3-component microseismic sensor 12 wouldhave a sign ambiguity. The direction of arrival could be either (x,y,z)or (-x,-y,-z).

With reference also to FIG. 9, by adding a second 3-componentmicroseismic sensor 12 at some distance from the first 3-componentmicroseismic sensor 12, directional ambiguity can be substantiallyeliminated. The second 3-component microseismic sensor 12 permitsmeasurement of a time delay between the observed p or the observed swave arrivals on each of the first and second 3-component microseismicsensors 12. One can then tell which of the two possible arrivaldirections is the correct one, as the arrival is delayed at the furthersensor 12. The only problem is if the event origin is located on theplane that bisects the first and second 3-component microseismic sensors12, which, in reality, is most likely due to noise contamination, theregion of ambiguity likely being larger than simply the bisecting plane.Adding a third 3-component microseismic sensor 12, spaced some distancefrom the first and second 3-component microseismic sensors 12,substantially eliminates the final uncertainty.

Monitoring of microseismic events in real time provides the ability tounderstand where a fracture F is positioned in the formation 20 and thedirection and speed the fracture F is growing in all directions (x,y,z)relative to hydraulic fracturing pumping rates, the particularfracturing fluid, and any number of other parameters with respect to thefracturing operation. The ability to rapidly optimize the design andplacement of fractures F provides the ability to build databases relatedthereto which may be of great use to the industry in improving fractureoperations. Further, such information permits data, such as where thefluid has gone, to be provided for the public record regarding eachstage of the fracturing operation and fracture location and extent.

Particularly advantageous, when monitoring in real time, is the abilityto determine whether a fracture F has broken out of a zone, or isimminently in danger of breaking out of the zone so that pumping can bestopped. This is of great interest for many reasons, one of which beingwhere the fracture F is breaking towards a water zone.

Growth of a fracture F, vertically or horizontally at a certain rate,may be related to the pumping rate and concentration of the fracturingfluid. Over time and using the data obtained by embodiments disclosedherein, one could design a fracturing operation to achieve maximumvertical height without breaking out of the zone and maximum, economichorizontal displacement leading to horizontal well spacing optimizationand field development optimization.

In the case of openhole wellbores 16, embodiments using microseismicmonitoring are less susceptible to noise as there is less transmissionof noise in the wellbore 16 without the casing or liner 32.

Optionally, the system 10 can be operated in a memory mode, the databeing stored in the 3-component microseismic sensors 12 equipped withmemory and a battery, for later retrieval with the BHA 18.

Based upon conventional microseismic monitoring performed remote fromthe wellbore 16 being completed, one of skill would have thought itdesirable to space the 3-component microseismic sensors 12 as far apartas possible in the wellbore 16, such as by about 100 m, to provideoptimum time resolution therebetween. Practically speaking however, whendeployed with the BHA 18, the spacing between the 3-componentmicroseismic sensors 12 is limited by the size of surface equipment usedfor injecting the BHA 18 into the wellbore 16. In embodiments, the3-component microseismic sensors 12 are placed about 1 m apart. Inembodiments, the 3-component microseismic sensors 12 are placed at about5 m to about 10 m apart. However, calculation of velocity becomes lessimportant because the 3-component microseismic sensors 12 are positionedso close to the fracturing events and because there is replication ofthe arrival times of both the compressional (p) and shear (s) waves ateach of the 3-component microseismic sensors 12 permitting accuratecalculation of distance without influence by velocity variations. Thus,close spacing is satisfactory. For example, in a conventionalarrangement of sensors, a 10% error in velocity becomes significant bythe time the signals reach a distant surface S or observation wellarray. In embodiments disclosed herein however, where the 3-componentmicroseismic sensors 12 are placed so close to the fracturing event,velocity becomes less significant, particularly as there are fewer, orno intervening layers between the event and the 3-component microseismicsensors 12 through which the signals must pass.

Applicant believes that the frequency of noise generated through pumpingof the fracture F may be at a higher frequency than that of themicroseismic event outside the wellbore 16 (lower frequency). However,even if the frequencies are substantially similar, Applicant believesthat the event can be recognized and any effects of the lowerfrequencies noise can be minimized, according to embodiments disclosedherein.

It is assumed that the acoustic noise, such as that generated from fluidflows or travelling through metal casing 32, tubular and the like, arelinear trends and that only one component or geophone of a 3-componentmicroseismic sensor 12 will be affected by the noise. In reality,Applicant believes the other two components will likely also detect atleast some of the noise.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A-5D, the 3-component microseismic sensors 12typically have coupling means 40, such as an outwardly extending arm orclamp, a weighted housing 42 and swivel connection 44, or the like, toacoustically couple the 3-component microseismic sensor 12 to the insidewall 30 of the casing 32 or open hole. Regardless the orientation, aslong as the 3-component microseismic sensor 12 is coupled to the wall 30and the orientation of the 3-component microseismic sensor 12 is known,such as through a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, the datacan be mathematically adjusted for orientation and thereafterinterpreted.

Once the noise is known, using the linear array 22, Applicant believesthat a conventional noise reduction means, such as a band-pass orband-reject filter may be sufficient to remove the linear noise, of thesecond set of data, from the first set of data from each of the3-component sensors to produce a relatively clean signal which can thenbe further analysed to determine the location of the microseismic event.Examples of other suitable noise reduction techniques can be found in avariety of prior art references including but not limited to thefollowing:

-   -   “Spatial prediction filtering in the t-x and f-x domains” by        Scott Hornbostel in Geophysics, Vol. 56, No. 12, (December        1991); pp. 2019-2026;    -   “Linear and parabolic t-p transforms revisited” by Zhou et al in        Geophysics, Vol. 59, No. 7 (July 1994); pp 1133-1149;    -   “Lateral prediction for noise attenuation by t-x and f-x        techniques” by Abma et al in Geophysics, Vol. 60, No. 6        (November-December 1995); pp 1887-1896; and    -   “Random Noise Reduction” by Luis Canales; 54^(th) Ann. Internat.        Mtg., Soc. Expl. Geophys., Expanded Abstracts, 525.

Applicant believes however that the addition of the linear array 22 offiber-optic sensors 23 (FIG. 1A), deployed along the wellbore 16 asdescribed herein, and used in combination with the 3-componentmicroseismic sensors 12 (FIG. 5), provides signals sufficiently clean topermit accurate determination of the position of the microseismic eventwithin the formation 20. The noise mapped from the second set of datafrom the linear array 22, as shown in FIG. 6, is used to extrapolatenoise at the 3-component microseismic sensors 12. The extrapolated noisecan then be removed from the first set of data from each of the three3-component microseismic sensors 12 and the clean signals thereafterused to locate the microseismic event (fracture F), as is understood bythose of skill in the art, such as is shown in FIG. 9.

In another embodiment, the BHA 18 comprising the 3-componentmicroseismic sensors 12 is deployed into the wellbore 16 using wireline.In this embodiment, the linear array 22 is integrated into the wireline,as is known in the art.

EXAMPLES

Having reference to FIGS. 6-8, in a bench test scenario, Applicantdeployed three, spaced apart, 3-component-type geophones, capable ofdetecting sheer and pressure waves and a fiber-optic cable forming alinear array of sensors capable of detecting compressional noise(p-waves), into 100 m of tubing which was buried in the ground. Waterwas pumped through the tubing to create ambient acoustic noise. At thesame time, a noise event was made outside of the tubing.

The sensor data, detected by both the fiber-optic cable sensor array(FIG. 6) and the three, 3-component geophone array (FIGS. 7 and 8), wascollected and analysed.

As shown in FIG. 6, noise 22 d at each of the distributed sensors in thefiber optic array 22 was mapped relative to the distance between thesensors and the time detected. From the noise mapping, noise 12 eanticipated at the location of each of the geophones 12 wasextrapolated. The extrapolated noise 12 e can then be subtracted fromthe first set of data for each of the geophones for producing a cleansignal.

Having reference to FIG. 7, a waveform and spectra recorded at one ofthe geophones is shown. FIG. 8 illustrates the waveform and spectrafollowing noise attenuation which can be performed using conventionalmethodologies such as filtering or by applying the noise map generatedfrom the fiber optic array as taught herein.

As shown in FIG. 9, the relatively clean signals from each of the3-geophones (9 sensors in total, being 3-x, 3-y and 3-z) is used tolocate the microseismic event in the formation using techniques known inthe art. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the velocity V1, V2of acoustic events at the locations of each of the geophones A,B,C isanticipated to be substantially the same. Given a known time of receiptof the signals at each of x,y and z for each of the geophones and aknown distance between the geophones d1,d2, the velocity V1, V2 can becalculated. Having determined the velocity, distance dcalc to themicroseismic event can be calculated and the microseismic event locatedwithin the formation.

The embodiments in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimedare defined as follows:
 1. A system deployed within a wellbore fordetecting microseismic events in a formation adjacent the wellbore,comprising: at least one 3-component microseismic sensor deployed in thewellbore adjacent the microseismic events for detecting compressionaland shear waves for establishing a first set of data resulting from atleast the microseismic events in the formation; and a linear array ofdistributed fiber optic sensors extending along at least a portion ofthe wellbore, uphole of the at least one 3-component microseismicsensor, for detecting compressional waves within or adjacent thewellbore for establishing a second set of data for mapping at leastnoise within the wellbore, wherein the mapping of the second set of datapermits extrapolation of noise at the at least one 3-componentmicroseismic sensor, the extrapolated noise being subtracted from thefirst set of data for producing signals for locating the microseismicevent in the formation.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the at leastone 3-component sensor and the linear array of fiber optic sensors aredeployed into the wellbore using coiled tubing, and wherein, the lineararray of fiber optic sensors is operatively coupled to an inside wall ofthe coiled tubing for receiving noise transmitted therealong.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2 wherein the linear array of fiber optic sensorscontinuously detect noise transmitted through the coiled tubing, thedata being used to extrapolate noise at the at least one 3-componentsensor.
 4. The system of claim 2 wherein the linear array of fiber opticsensors is embedded in a flexible, non-compressible material so as toensure strain changes imparted to the fiber optic sensors therein resultfrom the noise transmitted thereto and not from strain imparted bydeploying of the coiled tubing.
 5. The system of claim 2 wherein thelinear array of fiber optic sensors detect noise transmitted through thecoiled tubing prior to pumping the completion operation for establishingambient noise.
 6. The system of claim 2 wherein the coiled tubing iselectrically-enabled, the first set of data being transmitted to surfacein real time.
 7. The system of claim 2 wherein the at least one3-component sensor further comprises memory and a battery, the first setof data being stored in the memory for later retrieval with the3-component sensor.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one3-component microseismic sensor is deployed into the wellbore usingwireline, the fiber optic sensors being integrated into the wireline forforming the linear array.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the at leastone 3-component sensor is two or more axially-spaced 3-componentsensors.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the two or more 3-componentsensors are 3-component geophones.
 11. The system of claim 9 wherein thetwo or more 3-component sensors are axially spaced from about 5 m toabout 10 m apart.
 12. The system of claim 9 wherein the two or more3-component sensors are three, axially-spaced 3-component geophones. 13.The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one 3-component sensorfurther comprises means for orienting.
 14. The system of claim 1 whereinthe at least one 3-component sensor further comprises orientationsensors.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one 3-componentsensor further comprises means for acoustically coupling the sensor tothe wellbore.
 16. A method for microseismic monitoring during acompletion operation in a wellbore, the method comprising: deploying atleast one 3-component microseismic sensor into the wellbore fordetecting compressional and shear waves in a formation adjacent thewellbore; deploying a linear array of distributed fiber optic sensorsinto the wellbore extending along at least a portion of the wellbore,uphole of the at least one 3-component microseismic sensor, fordetecting compressional waves within or adjacent the wellbore;initiating the completion operation, creating microseismic events in theformation; sensing microseismic events in the formation with the atleast one 3-component microseismic sensor resulting from at least themicroseismic events in the formation for establishing a first set ofdata; sensing at least noise within the wellbore uphole of the at leastone 3-component microseismic sensor with the linear array of distributedfiber optic sensors for establishing a second set of data; mapping thesecond set of data as noise along the wellbore; extrapolating the noise,to the at least one 3-component microseismic sensor, from the noisemapping; and subtracting the extrapolated noise from the first set ofdata for producing signals representative of the location of themicroseismic event in the formation.
 17. The method of claim 16, priorto initiating the completion operation, further comprising: acousticallycoupling the at least one 3-component microseismic sensor to thewellbore.
 18. The method of claim 16 prior to initiating the completionoperation, further comprising: monitoring the wellbore with the lineararray of distributed fiber optic sensors for establishing ambient noisetherein for comparison to the second set of data for mapping the noisetherein.